Page 76 - Vauxhall 20-60 H.P. (R Type) Chassis Shop Manual

VAUXHALL 20-60 SHOP MANUAL

INSTRUMENT PANEL

SECTION The instruments and switches are grouped in an oval panel. At night the
379 instrument faces are illuminated by reflected light from two concealed
lamps, which are controlled by a switch mounted on the panel itself. Other
features of the panel are a centre zero ammeter, an ignition warning lamp
and an adaptor for a Lucas inspection lamp.

Switch positions are as follows:—

Right-hand switch ‘OFF’ Dynamo not charging and ignition off.
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‘ / 2 C ’ ignition operating and dynamo charging at half its normal output.
Left-hand switch ‘OFF’ — all lamps off.
‘S’ side and tail lamps on. ‘H’ — Head, side and tail lamps on.

AMMETER

SECTION This instrument indicates the actual current flowing into and from the
380 battery. For instance, suppose 1 / 2 amperes are consumed when the side
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and tail lamps are switched on, and that the ignition coil takes 2 amperes,
then if the dynamo is generating at 11 / 2 amperes, the meter will show 8
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amperes on the charge side of the scale. This is the current in excess of the
lamp and ignition load which is available for charging purposes.
IGNITION WARNING LAMP

SECTION When the engine is stopped, unless only momentarily, the ignition switch
381 should always be turned to the ‘Off’ position to prevent the battery being
discharged by current flowing through the windings of the coil. To ensure
that this does not happen, a warning lamp is provided in the panel, which
gives a red light when the ignition is on with the engine stopped. This lamp
is arranged in the circuit in such a way as to give an indication should the
dynamo cease to charge. If it is found that the lamp remains alight while
the car is travelling at 20 miles an hour or more, it is a sure indication
that the battery is not being charged. The cause of the trouble should be
immediately located. Examine fuse ( Section 377 ).

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